Trailing by one at the half, Minnesota took control of the game with a 17-0 run in the third quarter. The Wolves’ aggressiveness throughout the game led to a substantial rebounding margin over the Pacers. The Wolves also got to the line a season-high 45 times.

But the Wolves were understandably, justifiably, exceedingly pleased with how they responded when Indiana, once down 84-69 after the most impressive run of Minnesota’s season, cut the lead to a point, 98-97, with seven minutes to play. Troy Murphy had hit five consecutive three-pointers in the first half, and Danny Granger, his torn foot tendon now healed, was on his way to a 19-point night in his first game in a month. Indiana made 16 of 32 three-pointers and had all the momentum.And the Wolves didn’t seem to notice.“Losers have the mentality, ‘Here we go again,'” Rambis said. “So this was great to see.”

Flynn wasn’t smiling about four minutes into the fourth quarter, though. He complained about a moving screen as he ran up the floor behind referee Bennett Salvatore, and earned his first technical foul before he realized what had happened. Coach Kurt Rambis quickly benched Flynn in favor of Ramon Sessions, and the rookie figured his night was over.

From Jonah Ballow/Timberwolves site:Two key defensive plays secured the Wolves eighth victory of the season. After Granger attempted another long ball, Kevin Love snagged the rebound and found Damien Wilkins in the open floor for a dunk, increasing the Minnesota advantage to 114-109. Jonny Flynn, who was sent to the bench following a technical foul with 8:12 left in the game, jumped back into the ball game and slashed through the passing lane for a steal. The rookie point guard read the play beautifully, which effectively ended the Wolves five-game losing skid.

The Wolves had nine of their 25 assists in the fourth quarter, a period in which Jefferson, Love, Wilkins and Brewer combined to make 9 of 16 shots from the floor.

Jefferson and Love finished with double-doubles. Jefferson led the Wolves with 25 points and 12 rebounds; Love overcame a shaky defensive effort against Indiana forward Troy Murphy in the first half to contribute 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Wolves outrebounded Indiana 56-36.Ryan Gomes had three of his six assists in the fourth quarter and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds off the bench.